AFC North - 2_Baltimore Ravens1

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AFC NORTH
BALTIMORE
Ravens Offense
Even when the Baltimore Ravens won the Super Bowl two
seasons ago, their offense wasn’t the most prolific in the league.
It was quite effective, though. Last season, the offense sputtered
and was ranked No. 29 overall, its worst mark in nine seasons.
They scored 20 or fewer points seven times in 16 regular season
games on their way to an 8-8 record. Instead of competing in
the playoffs, the Ravens were forced to watch. Can the offense
be turned around this season? Don’t expect record-setting
numbers. But there is plenty of potential for improvement
across the board.
The Ravens welcomed new offensive coordinator Gary
Kubiak and free agent wide receiver Steve Smith, a five-time
Pro Bowler. This duo alone should make quite an impact on an
offense, which needed a jumpstart. Kubiak is expected to call
plays and run the entire offense, which will be an adjustment for
quarterback Joe Flacco. The 34-year-old Smith, who ranks 19th
in receptions in NFL history, joined the Ravens in the offseason
after 13 seasons with the Carolina Panthers. Not only does Smith
still have downfield speed and playmaking ability, he’ll give the
Ravens another true leader on offense. Smith had
64 receptions for 746 yards with four touchdowns
for the NFC South-champion Panthers last season.
Smith remains the Panthers’ all-time leader in
receptions (836), yards (12,197) and touchdowns
(67). Smith is still searching for his first Super Bowl
title and joining a team with that type of history is
an added bonus.
In the backfield, the Ravens must deal with the
fact that running back Ray Rice is suspended for
the first two games. Bernard Pierce has proven
to be a capable backup and fill-in starter. Pierce
will have a fantastic opportunity in the first two
games to prove his mettle to the coaching staff.
When Rice returns, the Ravens could have one
of the more formidable backfields in the league.
Offensive Player to Watch
Flacco will be motivated to show that last
season was an aberration. The 29-year-old
Flacco completed only 59 percent of his passes and tossed an
uncharacteristic 22 interceptions last season. Those 22 picks
were a career-high and his 73.1 passer rating was the lowest
of his career. Kubiak’s West Coast offense should help pay big
dividends for Flacco, who could use some early season success
to bolster his confidence. Flacco was sacked 48 times last season,
the second-highest total in the league. An improved offensive
line will help. If Flacco can get time to throw and the Ravens can
run the ball consistently, all of his numbers should get better.
Flacco is one of the most competitive players in the league and
he’s be determined to have a stellar season. That you can expect.
Ravens Defense
The Ravens have always won with defense. That wasn’t
the case last season. By the end of the season, the defense was
adequate enough to finish 12th overall in the league. But it wasn’t
enough to propel the Ravens when they needed it most. The
Ravens gave up 25 touchdown passes and 12.5 yards per catch,
which had been much stingier in previous seasons. They also
allowed nearly 4,000 yards passing.
2014 STRENGTHS:
• Improved defensive line, deep running attack
2014 WEAKNESSES:
• Lack of receiving depth, hole in defensive
leadership, questionable special teams play
RAVENS
Joe Flacco
TOM SZCZERBOWSKI/GETTY IMAGES SPORT